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Is DNA testing key to happy World Cup viewing?

Abilene Reporter-News
Published 7:00 a.m. CT June 23, 2018

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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo goes for the ball during the group B match between Portugal and Morocco at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, June 20, 2018. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)(Photo: The Associated Press)

With the United States a no-go for the big show, soccer fans here have been challenged: Who to cheer for?

Tunisia? Germany? Nigeria?

The World Cup is underway in Russia but there is no American team playing this year. That's a disappointment because the U.S. advanced to the round of 16 four years ago.

The nation's interest seems to plummet when the U.S. doesn't have a good team, or even qualify. And we've been spoiled by the women's team, which is one of the best in the world.

But there's hope for soccer fans.

23andme is challenging fans to do their genetic testing — the company's specialty — to discover their roots. When they do, they will find a country to cheer during the Cup.

The company has teamed with Fox Sports to encourage fans to get a DNA test. Find out where most of your blood comes from, then see if that country is in the competition.

How much Polish blood do you have? Do you have Argentine, Brazilian or Portuguese blood, qualifying you to go all in for their stars, Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo?

Maybe you have Russian blood, and want to get a jersey imprinted with "Putin."

It has been stated the average person gets results that showed at least five countries in his or her blood.

Of course, the promotion is a clever one for 23andme. But if you find you are more Spanish than you thought, you are cleared to raise your arms and shout "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!" for 22 seconds.